Knife hunt to enter crocodile waters

POLICE divers are expected to search a crocodile-infested Cooktown creek today to try and find a knife allegedly used by a man to stab his neighbour to death.

Samuel Austen Wells, 21, appeared briefly in Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday, three days after he was charged with the murder of Cooktown man David McLelland, 41.

It is alleged the pair were neighbours on Hagarty Cl and became involved in an altercation where the older man was left with multiple stab wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police believe the alleged murder weapon may have been disposed of in nearby Two Mile Creek, which flows off the mouth of the Endeavour River: known crocodile territory.

Cooktown police detective Sergeant Steve Watts said water police and divers were expected to survey the creek yesterday ­before the divers ­entered the water.

He said the pair knew each other and a number of people were "in the vicinity" when the alleged stabbing occurred.

Far North police detective Acting Inspector Mick Gooiker said the witnesses were speaking with police.

"There were a number of people there (and) that was ­obviously a very traumatic thing for them to observe, and they're assisting police with their inquiries. All we're aware of at this stage is there were a number of people at the premises and next door, and this ­incident occurred as part of that."

During yesterday's brief court appearance it emerged Mr Wells is also facing two counts each of disqualified and drink-driving, an obstruct police and failure to appear charges for unrelated matters in Mt Isa.

Defence solicitor Steve Wettenhall requested the ­matter be adjourned to video court on November 20 for Mr Wells to arrange his legal ­representation.